'Ebony Nutcracker' performance celebrates diversity and representation

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)-- This weekend is the second annual "Ebony Nutcracker." The performance offers a unique take on the holiday classic The Nutcracker by celebrating diversity and representation. 

For the dancers at Dance E.L.I.T.E Performance Academy (DEPA), it’s so much more than that. DEPA has been around for over a decade, it provides young dancers with the opportunity to build confidence and give them the tools needed to be successful in life. For the dancers, it’s all about giving back to the community in more ways than one. 

“Everyone does The Nutcracker at Christmas time, so why not provide a little twist on that right, for our community,” said Samara Tillman, the founder of DEPA.

The Ebony Nutcracker allows children of color to see themselves reflected in this tale. 

“We're trying to create a sense of family and memories here. We have a couple of surprises, a big fellow might be joining us for a couple of the shows,” said Tillman.

Peyton Edwards and Loren Norman are both seasoned dancers at DEPA. This is their second time performing in the Ebony Nutcracker.

“I feel I'm giving more sass, more like character, especially because I was new on pointe last year. I just felt like I was being safe. But I'm not being safe this time,” said Edwards, who plays the role of the Sweet Chocolate Fairy.

“I'm just looking forward to being with them again because I just think it's going to be so great and there are new people. So I think it’ll be a great way for us to connect with each other and with the audience,” said Norman, who plays the role of Ciara. 

Both Edwards and Norman found a home at DEPA for multiple reasons, but they say it’s not just a dance company, it’s a family. 

“In the dancer world, it's not common to see that many brown dancers in one space. So I think that it's like we all have this commonality within each other and it feels really nice,” said Norman. 

They’re performing at the Lincoln Theatre, which is a landmark in African-American and Jazz history in the city of Columbus. 

“It's very inspiring. There've been a lot of companies that danced here before. It's like I'm dancing on the same stage that they dance on,” said Edwards. 

If you’re interested in seeing the Ebony Nutcracker, dates and times can be found here.
You can purchase tickets here.